Undergraduate Programs

ECHO School is a private initiative in Romania that offers access to BA and BSc programs in game design and development, game engineering, and computer arts and animation, in partnership with Abertay University, a leading educational institution from Scotland. The curriculum, developed by Abertay, emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience to thoroughly prepare students for the fast-paced tech industry. Parents and prospective students can expect a creative, supportive environment that seamlessly bridges the gap between academic studies and real-world applications.

Applications are currently open for all 3 undergraduate programs: Game Design and Development, Game Engineering, Computer Arts, and Animation, until 1st of September.

Location:

Bucharest

DURATION:

3 Years

LANGUAGE:

English

DIPLOMA:

Game Developer Degree

ACCREDITATION:

UK Diploma

START DATE:

September 2025

Super Early Bird Discount (Until 31 January)

3000€

Eary Bird Discount (until 31 May):

2000€

Game Design and Development

Discover the captivating art of video game design and development! Learn to create remarkable interactive experiences, combining advanced technical skills with creativity and engaging storytelling.

Year 1

The module will introduce students to the knowledge, processes and techniques necessary to formulate and explore effective, innovative game ideas with consideration for the structure of both gameplay and narrative design

The aim of this module is to provide the student with the theoretical, practical, and technical knowledge
required to utilise game engines and operate as an effective level designer.

Become familiar with how to design systems that specialize in the strategic and meticulous process of creating, balancing, and managing the in-game economy of a game.

Every student that enters university will have different strengths and challenges in their academic, personal, and social abilities. This microcredential will support you in successfully joining ECHO School, helping you to achieve success. Each topic will start with questions for you to identify which areas of the topic you should focus on.

In this module, students will work collaboratively with their peers, as part of a multidisciplinary team, to design and develop an interactive media-based project that makes use of design elements. Individual students will be expected to; make use of relevant development and creative skills to generate elements of a media project; participate in pitching and presentations; hone their communication skills to work effectively within the team setting and present their work clearly; research and test technical pipelines; create project documentation and planning materials; and work, as part of a collective, towards a final interactive piece.
 
Operating at the intersection of graphic visual communication design, interaction design, and user research, User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) designers hold significant responsibility within game development teams and digital design studios. This module provides an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge, understanding, and skills in UX design, whilst also developing their applied knowledge and understanding of underpinning theories and methodologies.
In this module students gain an understanding of the game development lifecycle, management of game development based on Project Management Frameworks and Software Development Frameworks and the management of live games or games offered as a service.

Year 2

In this module students will focus on the development of compelling gameplay systems. This will be done through development of both the technical and creative skills required to design game mechanics as well as a theoretical understanding of what constitutes a compelling numeric gameplay system. In implementing gameplay students will deploy rapid prototyping to plan and develop engaging game mechanics in modern game engines. Students will also consider wider systems design, incorporating the analysis of player data, to design engaging systems with considered rates of progression, resource acquisition and achievement for players.

This module develops an in-depth understanding of the issues around the production process and managing a creative team.

The field of game design encompasses a breadth of specialist roles and applications. In this module, students will be supported to identify their own areas of interest and professional specialisation, taking into account factors such as game genres, audiences, platforms, technologies, and content. With the support of the tutor, students will research game design practice and develop a PDP targeted at skill and portfolio development.

For this module, students will be required to work together on an interactive media project as part of a multidisciplinary team. Individual students will be expected to contribute to their team by taking on a professional role suited to their area of study. As part of the module, all students will be expected to: communicate with clients and relevant stakeholders; participate in pitching and presentations; research and test technical pipelines; create project documentation and planning materials; and contribute to the iterative design and development of a final interactive prototype.

Year 3

This module will allow students to formulate a contextual, theoretical, and practical foundation in a self- selected area of professional practice and research. Students will evaluate existing research, texts, and projects with a view to developing a project proposal, and will develop a portfolio of practical work pertinent to their own professional practice and the selected Honours Project topic.

This module requires students to engage critically with historical and contemporary issues within the creative and cultural industries (CCI). Students should expect to discuss: the local, national, and global marketplace for creative media; insights and issues related to the creation, distribution, and consumption of creative media; and demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and planning expected by employers and investorsanalysis of industry-based phenomena and issues. Students should consider which creative industriesCCI align with their own personal ambitions, and develop an understanding of, and strategy in approaching, their chosen route of professional practice.

The client-based project module challenges the student to design, develop, and execute an extensive independent research project, underpinned by relevant critical theories, concepts, and practices within their discipline in collaboration with an industry client. This module approaches research as an active process of inquiry that leads to the production of insights pertinent to the student’s creative and professional field.

What you can achieve

Potential Careers

This specialized program equips graduates with a unique blend of creative, technical, and problem-solving skills, essential for thriving in the fast-evolving gaming industry. From designing immersive environments and crafting compelling narratives to programming intricate gameplay mechanics and developing cutting-edge graphics, students are prepared to tackle various roles. Potential careers span across game design, development, and production, including positions as:

Admission

Admission Criteria

Whether you’re a high school graduate or a transfer student, our comprehensive admission process evaluates your skills, creativity, and potential to thrive in this dynamic field. Join us to start your journey in becoming a skilled game developer, ready to innovate and lead in the gaming industry.

Game Engineering

Explore software engineering for games. Learn the utility of advanced programming and the experience of optimizing performance testing. Build the future of gaming with your skills!

Year 1

Building on students’ knowledge of programming facilities taught in Level 7 programming modules (e.g. arrays, structures, simple collections), this module introduces the standard data structures and algorithms that form the core of algorithmic thought in computer science, and introduces students to the idea of reasoning about the behaviour and performance of a computer program.

An introduction to the programming concepts and techniques for developing games.
This module teaches fundamental mathematical principals to give students the building blocks required for 3-D graphics programming.

This module builds on Data Structures and Algorithms 1 by introducing students to parallel programming on shared memory and GPU architectures and the design
techniques underpinning parallel applications, using a range of case studies drawn from typical real-world applications.

This module provides an introduction to the principles of 3D graphics programming. Students will develop application that demonstrates real-time 3D graphics.

This module builds on Graphics Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms 1 and Computer Architecture and introduces the necessary components needed to develop a 3D physics-based game application considering the hardware.

Year 2

This module develops a critical understanding of the computer graphics programmable pipeline and various graphics techniques. Students will develop and evaluate techniques used to manipulate 3D graphics in real-time.

This module develops a critical understanding of the principles of formalising, implementing, testing and iterating on functional game mechanics applied in the context of a game engine.

This module develops a critical understanding of the principles of computer networks as they are applied to the development of various types of networked computer games. Students will develop and evaluate the techniques used to implement networked computer games with a particular emphasis on real-time fast action games.

This module provides an introduction to some of the many Artificial Intelligence techniques which are currently, or could in the near future, be used to enhance the development of intelligent systems applied to various application domains.

For this module, students will be required to work together on an interactive media project as part of a multidisciplinary team. Individual students will be expected to contribute to their team by taking on a professional role suited to their area of study. As part of the module, all students will be expected to: communicate with clients and relevant stakeholders; participate in pitching and presentations; research and test technical pipelines; create project documentation and planning materials; and contribute to the iterative design and development of a final interactive prototype.

Year 3

Through a series of lectures and practical sessions, students will be exposed to emerging technology trends used in computer games development and develop and apply techniques using existing technologies to explore these trends.

This module develops a critical understanding of the principles, practices and techniques in tool development. Students will develop and evaluate software tools with particular emphasis on tools addressing the needs of the game industry.

An introduction to the theory and practice of digital audio and music for games programming students.

The client-based project module challenges the student to design, develop, and execute an extensive independent research project, underpinned by relevant critical theories, concepts, and practices within their discipline in collaboration with an industry client. This module approaches research as an active process of inquiry that leads to the production of insights pertinent to the student’s creative and professional field.

What you can achieve

Potential Careers

Embarking on a career path with a diploma in game engineering opens a world of exciting and diverse opportunities for graduates. From game development and design to programming and project management, the knowledge and experience gained through this program prepare students for roles that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Graduates can look forward to potential careers as:

Admission

Admission Criteria

Whether you’re a high school graduate or a transfer student, our comprehensive admission process evaluates your skills, creativity, and potential to thrive in this dynamic field. Join us to start your journey in becoming a skilled game developer, ready to innovate and lead in the gaming industry.

*It is mandatory that mathematics should be one of the subjects at BAC

Computer Arts and Animation

Learn everything you need to know about the captivating universe of art and animation! Learn to create remarkable artistic elements, bring animation to life, and design visually, using graphic tools and animation technology.

Year 1

This module will introduce students to 3D asset creation, providing them with the knowledge and skills required to design and build their own 3D assets for games in a production setting. By developing abilities and awareness within the field of 3D art asset creation, students will create their own strategies for independent learning within this broad subject area.

This module is designed to introduce students to a range of technical art practices in media production. Within the module students will study technical art pipelines, rigging, scripting and working in real-time media production software. Students will compile a portfolio of work which demonstrates their engagement with technical art practices.

The module is designed to introduce students to the mechanics of motion and the art of 2D animation. Through a combination of hands-on exercises, lectures, and discussions, students will learn the 12 principles of animation, as well as fundamental principles of physics, and the role of anatomy and form as they relate to animation. They will also develop skills in using hand-drawn animation techniques and analysis of existing motion to create a series of simple animations. The course will also explore the use of motion in different contexts and encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills in the creation of a final original animation concept. By the end of the module, students will have a strong foundation in the basics of 2D animation and the ability to analyse and evaluate motion in their own and others’ work.

This module will ask students to build upon foundational concepts for animation and focus on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to create rich, engaging, and unique character personalities for games or film. This will include studying the principles of personality design and storytelling, as well as learning advanced techniques for creating character performances that are believable and emotionally resonant. Students will also learn how to create character animations for games, including the unique challenges and requirements of game animation, such as working within the constraints of real-time rendering. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will have the opportunity to apply their skills and create their own character animations that are rich in personality, emotionally engaging and considerate of context. The goal of the course is to help students become proficient in creating high-quality character animations that are both fit for purpose and emotionally compelling.

In this module, students will work collaboratively with their peers, as part of a multidisciplinary team, to design and develop an interactive media-based project that makes use of design elements. Individual students will be expected to; make use of relevant development and creative skills to generate elements of a media project; participate in pitching and presentations; hone their communication skills to work effectively within the team setting and present their work clearly; research and test technical pipelines; create project documentation and planning materials; and work, as part of a collective, towards a final interactive piece.

In this module the student will learn about preproduction visualisation as an important process applied in the conception and visual development of entertainment productions such as games, film, and animation, etc. The student will be introduced to foundational 3D production processes and techniques necessary for successful communication of visual concepts, such as modelling, texturing, lighting, animation, and audio, etc. Students will develop their ability to design original assets that can be utilised in the creation of original ‘proof-of-concept’ visualisation videos. By applying their growing fundamental 3D skills, and employing relevant development processes, students will learn to produce time-based, narrative-driven visualisations in which they demonstrate their ability to create and manipulate assets that result in visually enticing and understandable 3D sequences.

Year 2

This module is designed to enhance students’ ability to engage with theoretical and critical frameworks, to underpin specialist writing relevant to their domain of practice.

In this module, students will engage with the creative and technical processes involved in the design and production of game characters, environment, and prop art. Students will develop the ability to analyse, critique and develop 3D assets with consideration for style, aesthetics, narrative and technical implementation. By the end of this project, students will have gained experience in the conceptualisation, planning, construction, and execution of game art across environments, characters and high-fidelity props, which will be particularly beneficial to those who have an interest in progressing into these roles professionally will gain the ability to plan a deep production pipeline suitable for asset production in the video game industry.

This module will support the development of a specialist area of practice by challenging the student to design and undertake a creative project brief that will focus efforts on enhancing their understanding of a self-selected specialisation within the computer arts domain. Students will use this project as an opportunity to concentrate on three overarching objectives that serve to reinforce their independent practice and creative autonomy. Foremost, students will hone their existing practice by building on the fundamental artistic, design and technical skills that underpin their chosen specialisation. Secondly, students will engage with reflective processes to critically evaluate their personal abilities in order to identify skills or knowledge gaps, leading to a practice-led response that helps tackle these gaps. Lastly, through this project students will demonstrate effective project management skills such as planning and scoping and setting project expectations such as learning outcomes and deliverables, leading to a final well-presented portfolio of creative artefacts.

For this module, students will be required to work together on an interactive media project as part of a multidisciplinary team. Individual students will be expected to contribute to their team by taking on a professional role suited to their area of study. As part of the module, all students will be expected to: communicate with clients and relevant stakeholders; participate in pitching and presentations; research and test technical pipelines; create project documentation and planning materials; and contribute to the iterative design and development of a final interactive prototype.

Year 3

This module will allow students to formulate a contextual, theoretical, and practical foundation in a self- selected area of professional practice and research. Students will evaluate existing research, texts, and projects with a view to developing a project proposal, and will develop a portfolio of practical work pertinent to their own professional practice and the selected Honours Project topic.

This module requires students to engage critically with historical and contemporary issues within the creative and cultural industries (CCI). Students should expect to discuss: the local, national, and global marketplace for creative media; insights and issues related to the creation, distribution, and consumption of creative media; and demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and planning expected by employers and investorsanalysis of industry-based phenomena and issues. Students should consider which creative industriesCCI align with their own personal ambitions, and develop an understanding of, and strategy in approaching, their chosen route of professional practice.

The client-based project module challenges the student to design, develop, and execute an extensive independent research project, underpinned by relevant critical theories, concepts, and practices within their discipline in collaboration with an industry client. This module approaches research as an active process of inquiry that leads to the production of insights pertinent to the student’s creative and professional field.

What you can achieve

Potential Careers

Graduating with a diploma in Computer Arts and Animation opens a world of creative and dynamic career opportunities. Students who complete this undergraduate program are equipped with a versatile skill set that blends artistic creativity with technical proficiency. This unique combination prepares them for various roles in the burgeoning fields of digital media and entertainment. Graduates can explore careers as:

Admission

Admission Criteria

Whether you’re a high school graduate or a transfer student, our comprehensive admission process evaluates your skills, creativity, and potential to thrive in this dynamic field. Join us to start your journey in becoming a skilled game developer, ready to innovate and lead in the gaming industry.

For admission you also need to submit a portfolio with 10 of your major works. For any information and help regarding this matter, please contact us.

Embark on a Game-Changing Career.

From the very first semester, we ensure that you’re not just learning, but thinking, creating, and innovating like a developer. Whether you’re aiming for the indie scene or the AAA studios, we empower you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to forge your unique path in the game development industry.

Founding Partners

Academic Partners